Acute Gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes sudden diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. It's usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites and typically resolves within a few days with proper self-care.

Most cases are mild and can be managed at home with rest and adequate fluid intake. However, severe cases, especially in young children and older adults, may require medical attention to prevent dehydration.

The main symptoms of acute gastroenteritis include:

• Diarrhea: Loose or watery stools, often frequent
• Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting, which may be severe
• Stomach cramps: Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Fever: Low-grade fever in some cases
• Headache: General feeling of unwellness
• Muscle aches: Body aches and fatigue

Symptoms typically appear 1-3 days after exposure and can last from 1-10 days, depending on the cause.

Seek emergency medical care if you experience:

• Signs of severe dehydration (dry mouth, no urination for 8+ hours, dizziness)
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever (above 102°F or 39°C)
• Confusion or altered mental state

Most cases of acute gastroenteritis can be managed at home with these steps:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. Water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions are best. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

2. Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.

3. Eat lightly: Once vomiting stops, try bland foods like:

   • Bananas
   • Rice
   • Applesauce
   • Toast (BRAT diet)
   • Avoid dairy, fatty, or spicy foods initially

4. Wash hands frequently: Prevent spreading the infection to others by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water.

5. Avoid anti-diarrheal medications: Unless recommended by a doctor, as they can prolong the infection in some cases.

• Severe dehydration with confusion or fainting
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of shock

• Symptoms last more than 3 days
• Signs of moderate dehydration
• High fever that doesn't respond to medication
• Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake
• Underlying health conditions that may complicate recovery

• Mild symptoms that improve within 24-48 hours
• Ability to keep fluids down
• No signs of dehydration
• Generally feeling better

Most cases of acute gastroenteritis don't require diagnostic tests. However, your healthcare provider may order:

• Stool culture: To identify bacterial or parasitic causes
• Blood tests: To check for dehydration or electrolyte imbalances
• Rapid tests: For specific viruses like norovirus or rotavirus

Tests are usually only needed if:

• Symptoms are severe or prolonged
• There's concern about dehydration
• You've recently traveled to areas with different pathogens
• There's an outbreak investigation

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications:

1. Fluid replacement: Oral rehydration solutions for mild to moderate dehydration. Intravenous fluids may be needed for severe dehydration.

2. Medications:

   • Anti-nausea medications may be prescribed
   • Antibiotics only if bacterial cause is confirmed
   • Probiotics may help restore gut flora

3. Dietary management: Gradual return to normal diet as symptoms improve.

Most people recover fully within 3-7 days without specific medical treatment.

Prevent acute gastroenteritis by:

• Hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially:

  • Before eating or preparing food
  • After using the bathroom
  • After changing diapers
  • After contact with someone who is sick

• Food safety:

  • Cook foods thoroughly
  • Avoid raw or undercooked foods when traveling
  • Wash fruits and vegetables
  • Store foods at proper temperatures

• Avoid close contact: Stay away from people who are sick, and stay home if you're sick

• Vaccination: Rotavirus vaccine is available for infants

Acute gastroenteritis occurs when pathogens (viruses, bacteria, or parasites) infect the lining of the stomach and intestines. This causes:

• Inflammation: The immune system responds to the infection, causing swelling and irritation
• Increased fluid secretion: The intestines secrete more fluid than they can absorb
• Reduced absorption: The inflamed lining can't absorb nutrients and water effectively
• Rapid transit: Contents move through the digestive system too quickly

This combination leads to diarrhea and vomiting as the body tries to expel the pathogens. The loss of fluids and electrolytes can lead to dehydration if not managed properly.

Children are at higher risk for dehydration because:

• They have smaller fluid reserves
• They may not be able to communicate thirst
• They may resist drinking when feeling unwell

Signs in children requiring immediate care:

• No wet diapers for 6+ hours
• No tears when crying
• Sunken eyes or soft spot
• Extreme lethargy or irritability
• High fever

Older adults may have:

• Reduced ability to sense thirst
• Medications that affect fluid balance
• Underlying conditions that complicate recovery

Close monitoring and early medical intervention may be needed.

Pregnant individuals should:

• Seek medical care earlier than usual
• Ensure adequate hydration
• Be cautious with medications
• Monitor for signs of dehydration closely

Most cases resolve within 1-3 days, though some may last up to 10 days depending on the cause.

Yes, it's highly contagious. It spreads through:

• Contact with infected individuals
• Contaminated food or water
• Touching contaminated surfaces

Good hand hygiene, food safety practices, and avoiding contact with sick individuals can significantly reduce your risk.

Wait until 24-48 hours after symptoms have completely resolved to avoid spreading the infection.

Antibiotics are only effective for bacterial causes and are not needed for viral gastroenteritis. They may even prolong symptoms in some cases.